2002 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,062 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 07E074000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 21, 2007
CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.
Campaign 07E063000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJul 25, 2007
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION OF LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM OPTICSAND CHANGE THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND ILLUMATED LOCATION WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 07E054000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 03V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJul 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.
Campaign 03V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeMar 11, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.
EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Campaign 03V084000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleFeb 27, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CLOCK SPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 03V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 17, 2002
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON CERTAIN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO MARCH 16, 2002, ONE OF THE SENSORS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS EXPECTED IN HIGH-SPEED OFF-SET CRASH SITUATIONS.
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261, CONCERNING THE PROBLEM.
Campaign 02I001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
599 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 1, 2009
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA , I HAVE TO PUT A QUART OF OIL IN THIS CAR EVERY 50 MILES, FROM WHA T I HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM , THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT AND REFUSES TO ADMIT TO THE PUBLIC THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE MOTOR, THAT THE RECALL WILL COST THE COMPANY TO MUCH IN REPAIRS. WE ARE A FAMILY ON A FIXED INCOME AND CAN'T AFFORD THE $6000.00 FOR REPAIRS ON THIS CAR. NISSAN ASKS SO MUCH FOR THESE CARS THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND REPAIR THIS DEFECT!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT EXHAUST ASSEMBLY, FRONT 02 SENSOR, AND CLEARED THE SYSTEM CODES. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,065 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW THE SEVERITY. THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE RECALL WAS ACTUALLY FROM 2003, AND THAT THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS ENGINE DAMAGE AND THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THIS SYPTOM WAS ALSO STATED ON THE RECALL NOTICE (THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH IS WHY HE NEVER TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR. HE ALSO COMPLETED A CLAIM WITH NISSAN, BUT HE RECEIVED A DENIAL LETTER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 02/10/09 *BF UPDATED 02/11/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND WENT INTO THE WALL OF THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CRACK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $6,000. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE RECALL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND IF ASSISTANCE COULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,197.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2008
1.THE YEAR 2004 THANKSGIVING I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM LA, BATON ROUGE WHEN MY HEAT WOULDN'T COME ON. I GOT IT FIXED BUT WAS THE KNOB TO THE CONTROL WOULD ONLY TURN 3/4 OF THE WAY OR IT WOULDN'T WORK. THEN WHEN THE SPRING CAME AND I USED MY A/C IT DIDN'T WORK. I TOOK IT IN AND WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT ON MAX IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY. 2. AS OF 2006 TO CURRENT MY CAR JERKS AND RUNS OUT OF OIL OFTEN AND NOW I NEED TO PUT AT LEAST 4 QUARTS EVERY WEEK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AT LEASE ONCE A WEEK. 3. I TAKE IT INTO MY MECHANIC TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND DOESN'T SEE A LEAK, BURNING OIL IT JUST CONSUMES IT. I GET ALL THE NECESSARY CAR "MEDICAL" CHECK UP'S AND THE CAR STILL EATS OIL, JERKS AND CONTINUES TO GIVE ME PANIC ATTACKS AS I DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK. MY MECHANIC AND I HAVE DETAILED LOGS OF HOW MANY TIMES THEY'VE PUT IN OIL OR I HAVE PURCHASED AND PUT IT IN MYSELF ALONG WITH ANY ADDITIONAL WORK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I PURCHASED WITH 57,000 MILES (2ND OWNER). IN DECEMBER 2006 WITH ABOUT 68,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BLEW UP. I HAD THIS REPLACED AND AT 76,000 MILES I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE OIL/COOLANT AND METALLIC NOISE FROM ENGINE. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, AT 86,000 THE DEALER SAID I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR SINCE THERE WERE PARTICLES THAT HAD BEEN SUCKED IN FROM THE CAT, THEY WANTED $5,900 TO REPLACE. I CALLED AND SPOKE TO REPRESENTATIVES OF NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND LODGED A COMPLAINT, AFTER ABOUT A WEEK I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM STATING THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR OR HELP WITH COSTS. I WAS FORCED TO FIND AN ALTERNATE REPAIR OPTION AND PURCHASED A REBUILT MOTOR, THE PROBLEM WITH THIS WAS AFTER A FEW WEEKS THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED SMOGGING THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO, I FINALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN, I HAD THE CAT REPLACED AGAIN ($750) AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT SMOGGED. THIS WAS ONLY 3-4 WEEKS AGO AND ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RATTLING/GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AGAIN!! PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS, I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT WITH ONLY 57,000 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON THE 2002-06 ALTIMA/SENTRA WITH THE 2.5L MOTORS IS A "FACTORY DEFECT"!! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINTS ON NUMEROUS SITES. NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT. I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I PAY $300 A MONTH FOR THAT I HAVE PUT AN ENGINE & 2 CAT'S IN, AND NOW IT NEEDS ANOTHER MOTOR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS FOR A CAR COMPANY TO SELL VEHICLES AND NOT STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY MAKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2008
NISSAN NA MADE SOME PREVENTIVE CHANGES TO THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AS REQUESTED TO BY LAW. HOWEVER THE CHANGES NISSAN NA MADE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT NOR SUCCESSFUL. IT APPEARS THAT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE NISSAN PROVIDED HAS ONLY PROLONGED THE OUTCOME. THOUSANDS OF 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH A DIRECT RELATION TO A FAILURE IN THE CATALYST CONVERTER. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CATALYST CONVERTER NOTICEABLE CHUCKS OF THE CATALYST CONVERTER ARE MISSING. NISSAN NA IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SELECTIVELY FIXING SOME CONSUMERS VEHICLES. IF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THEIR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY NISSAN NA REFUSES TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER WITH FIXING THE PROBLEM. SAFETY SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO A PERCENTAGE OF MILES OR TO A PERIOD OF TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2008
ON TUESDAY 11/25/08 I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WORK AND THE CAR TURNED OFF IN MID DRIVE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL (#03V455000) ON THIS WEBSITE. IT MATCHED EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM OF THE RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SAME PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (CRANK POSITION SENSORS, AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS) BUT MY CAR WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL AND THEREFORE I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR. MY VEHICLE MATCHES THE RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE 100% IE: " 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA...ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS...THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN CRASH...DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, AND IN SOME CASES THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSORS." AGAIN, THE DEALERSHIP HAS NEGLECTED TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A VALID RECALL. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED; HOWEVER, IT STALLED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2008
NISSAN ALTIMA - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON NOVEMBER 2006. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SENSOR COULD BE BAD AND NOT NECESSARILY THE PART. THEY SHUT THE LIGHT OFF AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO OFF AND ON OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR YET PASSED A STATE EMISSIONS TEST. NO OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS OCCURRED. NOVEMBER, 2008 VEHICLE FAILED STATE EMISSIONS TEST - TOLD IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATES THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 80K MILES - THE CAR HAS 83K MILES. HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC YET FOR FEAR THE ESTIMATED $1000 REPAIR COULD TURN INTO AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT A MUCH HIGHER COST. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2008
2002 ALTIMA BEGAN STALLING DURING LOW SPEEDS TRIGGERING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ACCOMPANIED BY REDUCED ENGINE POWER. DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED PROBLEM WITH CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH WAS CLEARLY LISTED UNDER RECALL. NISSAN WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RECALL STATING THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE TO ECM REPROGRAMMED WHICH WOULD NOT FIX STALLING PROBLEM BUT WOULD MAKE THE ECM MORE SENSITIVE TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE CSP SENSOR. NISSAN WOULD NOT PERFORM THE ECM REPROGRAM WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. NISSAN WANTED TO RUN A $90 DIAGNOSTICS TEST FIRST. I TOOK CAR TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC THE HAVE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACED WITH UPDATED FACTORY MODEL. THE SENSOR THAT WAS REMOVED WAS CLEARLY THE OLDER FLAWED MODEL WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A SLOW STOP AND THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD EXCESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,721.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE ALSO HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE, WHICH WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO AN OXYGEN SENSOR THAT WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,286 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SMELLS BURNING OIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2008
OIL IS CONSUMED AT A RATE OF APPROX. 1 QUART EVERY 200 MILES, MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THERE ARE NO NOTICABLE LEAKS. AROUND THE 80,000 MILE MARK OIL BEGAN TO RUN LOW BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INCREASING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2008
I WENT THROUGH INSPECTIONS IN DELAWARE AND THE CAR FAILED FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ENGINE MAKES A VERY LOUD RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE OIL IS TOO LOW. I THINK THE CAR DEALER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2008
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE FAILURE IN DECEMBER OF 2007. IT STARTED WITH AN ENGINE CODE . REFERRED TO THE CATALYST CONVERTER. I HAD BEGUN SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE OF A BIGGER PROBLEM PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO THE DEALER. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON DIFFERENT FORUMS DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS FOR THE SAME CAR. NOT IRONIC, DISTURBING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND PREVENTABLE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED REGULARLY. I ALSO HAD HARD TO START PROBLEMS . RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE NISSAN DEALER BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. I KEPT LOOSING COOLANT AND OIL AND I DID NOT HAVE ANY WITNESS MARKS ON MY DRIVEWAY TO PROVE THAT IT WAS LEAKING. AT TIMES YOU CAN SMELL THE SWEET ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER NISSAN SERVICE VISIT, THE SERVICE REP SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE..CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE UP AND WAS SUCKED BACK INTO THE ENGINE. HERE IS WHAT THE INVOICE READS. INVOICE: ECM RECALL COULD NOT PERFORM RECALL VEH HAS E-LIGHTS THAT NEED TO BE CORRECTED?MULTI POINT VISUAL INSPECTION ONLY?INSPECTION PERFORMED REC ENGINE ASSY AND CAT RELATED PARTS A/C LOW PRESSURE HOSE?CUST STATES VEH LOSING COOLANT AND HAS A MISS CK DIAG AND CHCK OUT TIME ONLY?CUST STATES VEH HAS COOLANT LEAK AND MISS1.00 INSPECTION VEH FOR COOLANT LEAK BUT FOUND NO VISIBLE LEAK. MISFIRE FOUND INSPECTED PLUGS AND FOUND THEY'RE FOULED OUT AND HAVE CORROSION TYPE SUBSTANCE ON THEM?VEH POSS BURNING COOLANT. INSPECTED CAT AND FOUND IS COMING APART. REC ENGINE CAT AND RELATED PARTS CUST DECLINED REPAIRS? NOTE HAS REPLACED O2SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS. I ASKED THE SERVICE REP WHY NISSAN WOULDN'T PAY FOR THIS IF THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN PROBLEM. SHE SIMPLY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT ALL THEY WOULD DO IS THE WORK BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT NISSAN HEADQUARTERS IF I HAD A COMPLAINT. IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT MANY OF MY FELLOW ALTIMA OWNER?S HAVE HAD MUCH LUCK WITH THAT. NISSAN BE RESPONSIBLE. LIVES MAY DEPEND IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2008
LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 OWNERS, NISSAN HAS LEFT EVERY ONE OF US HANGING OUT THERE AND ALL THEY CAN RECOMMEND IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. NISSAN CREATED THIS PROBLEM AND IS VERY AWARE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION, CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAK UP AND OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE. THEN THERE IS THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE HARD STARTING AND FAILURE TO START. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN AND IT DISGUSTS ME THAT NISSAN IS WASHING ITS HANDS OF THESE ISSUES. I COULD UNDERSTAND THEIR RELUCTANCE TO LOOK ANY FURTHER IF THERE WERE ONLY A HANDFUL OF OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND WE ARE ALL FED UP WITH THE WAY NISSAN HAS HANDLED THE ISSUES. THEY KNEW AFTER THEY ROLLED OUT THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, IT HAD ISSUES BUT THEY HAVE BURIED THEIR HEADS IN THE SAND. WHENEVER YOU CALL NISSAN DIRECT, THEY JUST BLOW YOU OFF AND ALL THE DEALERSHIPS CAN RECOMMEND IS A NEW ENGINE. THEY ARE TREATING THEIR CUSTOMERS AS IF THEY ARE STUPID. IT ANNOYS ME THE FACADE NISSAN IS PUTTING ON AND TREATING ANY NISSAN ALTIMA CUSTOMER AS IF THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE WITH A "LEMON" WHICH NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. MY NISSAN HAS DONE 145,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT NEED A NEW ENGINE AFTER YEARS OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. NISSAN ISSUED A RECALL IN DEC 2006 WHEN I THINK THEY KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSORS AT THAT TIME. THEY JUST CHECKED THEM. IF YOU WANT TO READ MORE REPORTS LIKE THIS GO TO WWW.MYCARSTATS.COM, WHICH IS WHERE I GOT THE LINK TO SEND YOU THIS COMPLAINT. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF THE NHTSA WOULD AT LEAST INVESTIGATE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ALL 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS. DID I MENTION THAT MY "ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT" HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER A YEAR - SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WENT INTO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I REST MY CASE.N *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2008
NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO CAR FIRE. DEALERSHIP ADMITTED TO DEFECT IN ENGINE. SEE: HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/1106267/NISSAN/2002-NISSAN-ALTIMA-OIL-DROPPING-AT-108000MILES-I-W/INDEX.HTML. I HAD TO PAY $5,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE ONE MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2008
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, HE SAYS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE MIGHT BLOW UP ANY TIME. AND THEY ARE ASKING $6000 FOR FIXING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS TOTALLY SUCKING THE CUSTOMER OF ANYTHING THAT ONE CAN LIVE OFF EVEN. AS A SMALL FAMILY WITH MEAGER EARNINGS, THIS IS GOING TO HIT OUR FAMILY IN A MAJOR WAY AS THIS KIND OF SPEND IS NOT SOMETHING WE CAN AFFORD. THIS PROBLEM IS BEING FACED BY THOUSANDS OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS ALSO. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP US OUT IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2008
PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. CONVERTER COMES APART, GETS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, AND CAUSES ENGINE DAMAGE. CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD MINE WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS BEEN GIVING ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS . I HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED AND NOW IT NEEDS ANOTHER ONE . OIL IS BEING CONSUMED OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME IN 2006 HE SAID I NEED A MOTOR I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER TOO MANY TIMES TO THINK THEY HAVE CLAIMED TO CHANGE THINGS EVERY TIME I'D TAKE IT . IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT I DON'T THINK THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM AT FIRST. EITHER THEY DIDN'T KNOW OR THEY DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER MY WARRANTY ENDED TO TELL ME THAT I NEEDED A MOTOR!! I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR. I FEEL THAT I PAID TOO MUCH FOR THIS CAR TO BE TRYING TO PAY OVER $5000 FOR A MOTOR. THE CAR IS NOW 6 YRS OLD AND THAT'S NOT OLD ENOUGH FOR A MOTOR. NISSAN SHOULD FEEL VERY BAD THAT THEY A RESPONSIBLE FOR PEOPLE PAYING TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THAT LEMON OF A CAR. I NEED TRANSPORTATION NOT A NEW CAR NOTE!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2008
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH IS EXHIBITING THE SYMPTOMS VERY TYPICAL WITH 100'S OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS. ONE MONTH AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE IS CONSUMING LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL, POWER IS SLUGGISH ESPECIALLY AT STARTUP, COOLANT IS BEING CONSUMED ETC. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND THE FAULT CODE WAS FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DEALER SUGGESTS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF LONG BLOCK. SINCE THE RECALL (NTB03-070C) HAD BEEN DONE ON MY CAR A FEW YEARS AGO, PREVIOUS TO ME OWNING THE CAR, THEY ARE "NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECALL". SEEMS UNFATHOMABLE THAT SO MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO DEFINITE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN FROM NISSAN OR BEING FORCED TO BE TAKEN FROM THE GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT. *TR